Sundays, 1:30pm-3:30 pm
January 11th: Standing Poses
February 1st: Shoulder Work and Inversions
March 1st: Back Extensions and Twist
$120 for all three session (click on the link above) or $45 per class (click on the links below)
~ The Wisdom of the Asana ~
Honoring the Teachings and Contributions of BKS Iyengar
In each of these three sessions, we will focus on a primary posture category. Each will also include some inversions and other asanas that bring us to a deeper understanding of the connections between different postures and the integration of body, mind, spirit. Iyengar yoga is noted for its attention to alignment and and its commitment to using asana as a discipline to engage all eight limbs of yoga.
In this practice we will work with the use of props. Please bring yoga blankets if you have them. These workshops are open to anyone who has been practicing asana for one year
Standing poses are the foundation for a majority of the asanas we practice. They help us to develop strength, balance, flexibility, and focus. In this class we will work through Tadasana, Uttihita Ttrikonasana, Uttihita Parsvakonasana, Ardha Chandrasana, and others to explore and engage the actions and alignment of the legs and hips, as well as the interplay between the legs, hips, and back. We will take the same actions and alignments into inversions, in addition to seated and other supported poses, to enhance and deepen our understanding.
Shoulder work and inversions: In this session we will use poses like Urdhva Hastasana, Gomukhasana, Baddhangullyasanan, and Addho Mukha Svanasana to understand the actions and healthy alignment of the arms shoulders, as well as their interconnections with the neck and upper back. We will bring this understanding with us as we approach inversions, Adho Mukha Vrksasan (full arm balance), Sirsasana (headstand). Pincha Mayurasana (elbow balance), and Sarvangasangasana (shoulder stand). We will adapt these postures and use preparatory versions for those of us who are just beginning to move into and explore this group of asanas. Inversions are invigorating and empowering. Note: Inversions are typically not practiced during a woman’s cycle; other poses will be provided.
Back extensions and Twists: We will use chairs, bolsters, and blocks in supported back extensions, such as Paryankasana, Virasana, and Capotasana to understand actions and alignment in these poses. This will prepare us to engage the back bends with intelligence and alignment in our approach to Udhva Dhanurasana. We will finish with twists like Bharadvajasana, Pasasana, and Marichyasana, followed by Halasana. These asanas stimulate the immune system and lift our spirits when done with attention to the nervous system. In all of these classes we will work at the level of the practitioners attending, adapting postures as needed and working with appropriate variations.
Osha Hanfling is a certified Iyengar teacher. She has been studying and teaching in the Iyengar tradition for the last 30 years. She is a skillful practitioner whose wonderful sense of humor and compassion are well integrated into her dynamic teaching style.